Gents,

I am a newbie to the forum, so be gentle! I looked at a 2000 S500 (fully optioned) last night. I really liked the car, so have provisionally said yes. A couple things I noticed:

1. The ventilated/comfort seats did not appear to be up to much. I could hear the fans go on, but could not feel anything coming out of the seats. Is it really obvious when they are working correctly? (car was stationary)
2. Massage/Pulsating seats: I could feel the back rests of the seats very gently inflate and deflate. Again, not very noticeable.

I just want to be sure before taking the plunge…Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

Vent seats don't do much justice. They are not really air conditioned, just a couple of small fans blowing and trying discipate the hot air down there. In a hot car you cant tell but when the car has cooled down and you are not wearing jeans, you'll feel a tiny bit of difference. Sorry
Massage feature is a small airfilled lumber support that pushes against your back and I guess it massages (mmmhhhhh). Try an oscilating massage (Lexus) as opposed to a pushrod massage (MB) and you'll be happy. I dont even use that stuff anymore. I know I might offend someone by saying that.

Instead of a 00 why not buy 03 and up? Some of the 00 have been known to cost more than the 03 (repairs will eat you up if they happen)

 

the feature u call "massager" is not really a massager its actually their to comfort ur back according to cars speed so when u get pushed back it changes to provide a bit more comfortable ride

 

Kenstudios,

I would go for an '03, bu these are currently over valued in the UK and ready for a decent fall in value...

 

With good maintenance the 00 S500 is a very good car. If it has been abused then I would stay away. If you can find the maintenance records and have the car checked out by a reputable mechanic then go for it. Have the mechanic check the airmatic since that was a problem area on the 00, check for leaks (oil,tranny fluid), check body panels to ensure no previous accidents. If the car looks good and drive good, buy it and good luck on your purchase.

 

Thanks for the pointers and vote of confidence.

I have just bought the car and am very pleased. It is a mint 1 owner car with an impeccable main dealer history. A quick Google check confirmed that the car was owned by the ex-CEO of Salamon Bros Europe. The guy features in the top 1000 richest people in the UK...The main dealer also confirmed that they saw the car regularly and all of the updates have been done.

 

In this case you have just won yourself a good car. Take care of her and post some pics whenever available. Congratulations on your purchase and anytime you have a question just post it here. There are so many knowledgeable people here that can assist with just about anything.

 

And kenstudios is one of them. Congratulations on your new car!!

 

Thanks skylaw, I try to help where I can and sometimes it beats me.

 

Thanks so much, gents. I will get some pictures up as soon as possible.

 

Some are a bit unfair to the wondeful seats on your swish new purchase. I have friends who do big miles who swear by them. The multi-contour backrest gently pulsates to provide a massage in the lower area of your back which can prevent muscles tensing on long jourmeys. The optional comfort seats have several mini fans to circulate air beneath the finely perforated leather thus keeping the seat cool or warm depending on conditions. If you have the driving dynamic multi-contour seat then it has side bolsters which inflate to give moree lateral support depending on acceleration, speed and so on. Those of us with the humbler 320cdi can only wonder at the aids to comfort you can now start to take for granted.

 

The orthopedic seats was an option after 03 and it feels a little better than the regular s class seats but then again f thats all you know, it sure feesls good. The side bolsters are found on performance MB's (AMG) due to the forces encountered while taking corners at high speeds.

 

OK. Thanks. BTW talking of extras check out these
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeKD-LWjAKY

 

WOW, reminds me of LA or OC.